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I am pleased that the VL hasn't gone awry, I was a bit nervous about that, the CD4 count trend is going down but it's been 432,399,403,353 and I had been binging the day before the labs (not very smart I agree). The % is going down, but there is no real concern for now. I am happy that the CD8 have not gone mad, they're lower than the previous test, that was another area I wanted to see kept in control.

I got the flu shot, but no pneumonia shot, he said it was not necessary. You may have seen my post about my brother in law's pneumonia and he said that he shouldn't be infectious more than 2 weeks after starting recovery, so seeing him in december should be fine, as long as he doesn't get sick again.

He mentioned strong warnings about Chantix, I will post about that in the Chantix thread later.

Sounds relatively stable to me, although I know that 'sinking' feeling can be a bit upsetting. Still, I'm living proof numbers can jump around, and I'm trying hard to stop reading too much into them. Sounds like you're getting used to that reality too.

The shot for pneumonia is not given EVERY year.From another thread:Quote: Quote from: philly267 on September 20, 2007, 11:22:01 AMThere's also a pneumonia shot that I believe is given once and then maybe a 2nd time several years later. I'd ask about that one too. Maybe someone here can weight in.

I believe you are referring to the Pneumovax vaccine that should be given every 5 yrs to HIV+ folks.

I will definately be getting my flu shot -- as soon as I find a clinic.

There was no risk of exposure unless he was becoming sick again, and my cd4s are high enough. For the flu shot there was no hesitation.

Curious and a bit confusing how doctors seem to approach this so differently. Elsewhere I get the impression that Pneumovax (much like the flu jab) is regarded as 'standard of care' for HIV+ patients, regardless of how high your CD4 count might be or any specific risk of exposure:http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003080.html

I am going to click on the Chantix thread to see what your doctor told you. I've been on it for a month and a half and haven't had any problems with it yet. And I've not been warned about it. I sure would like to hear what your doctor said.

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Curious and a bit confusing how doctors seem to approach this so differently. Elsewhere I get the impression that Pneumovax (much like the flu jab) is regarded as 'standard of care' for HIV+ patients, regardless of how high your CD4 count might be or any specific risk of exposure:http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003080.html

True, I asked him if he was sure and he confirmed he just wanted me to take the flu shot. I don't know if previous problems I've had like Rheumatic Fever or other exams make him want to wait.

I was actually ecstatic in the car coming back home because the VL didn't go bad. I'm getting prepared to start meds around 2008, adherence is my fear, I have forgotten to take my vitamins many times, but then again it's another level so I am sure I will pay attention.

Milker, those numbers are still overall and the changes are certainly not precipitous.

What I'm wondering is what you mean by "binging" because it sounds like something you think is not good for your health. Clarify if you want to...

I still have an alcoholism problem and we discussed this today with the doctor, who wants to work on the smoking first, in January when I'm back from vacation. When I took Chantix the drinking went down dramatically as well, so I'm hoping his plan will help. I appreciate you noting this, Andy.

True, I asked him if he was sure and he confirmed he just wanted me to take the flu shot. I don't know if previous problems I've had like Rheumatic Fever or other exams make him want to wait.

Milker.

I had Rheumatic Fever when I was 10 yrs old and I still have to take antibiotics before going to the dentist. I took the Pneumovax shot pretty much at the same time I started meds but I don't remember if I've taken a booster shot in the past 7 years (I don't think I have ).

Rich

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I had Rheumatic Fever when I was 10 yrs old and I still have to take antibiotics before going to the dentist. I took the Pneumovax shot pretty much at the same time I started meds but I don't remember if I've taken a booster shot in the past 7 years (I don't think I have ).

Rich

Interesting, poz, I will ask him. I too have to take antibiotics before going to the dentist and everytime I sneeze, which is rare (sneezing)

Curious and a bit confusing how doctors seem to approach this so differently. Elsewhere I get the impression that Pneumovax (much like the flu jab) is regarded as 'standard of care' for HIV+ patients, regardless of how high your CD4 count might be or any specific risk of exposure:http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003080.html

My doc told me pneumovax avery 5 years for those with HIV. Why take a chance I say.